Newcomers share victory in Motorrad touring tyre test

The latest issue of motorcycling magazine Motorrad includes a test of half a dozen touring tyres. Four of the six are more or less the same products that Motorrad tested a year ago, but two are newcomers – and this fresh pair share first place.

Motorrad fitted the 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres to a BMW R 1250 R. Its testers evaluated the tyres’ performance on the open road and in wet conditions but did not consider wear as a decisive factor. The German magazine explains that the current test doesn’t cover this characteristic as wear testing involves considerable time and effort, and it lacks the resources to test this on every tyre category each year.

Two winners

The winners of the 2022 Motorrad touring tyre test are the Dunlop RoadSmart IV and Michelin Road 6, both in the ‘GT’ version. Each scored a total of 234 out of a possible 250 points and additionally gained a ‘best buy’ recommendation. The magazine’s testers state that the Dunlop tyre has enjoyed a “phenomenal debut” and they especially lauded its “excellent balance on wet and dry roads.” They praised the Michelin Road 6 for its “first-class everyday virtues.”

Rated very good

Both test winners gained Motorrad’s ‘very good’ rating, as did the equally third-placed Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE and Pirelli Angel GT II. The testers recommend the Metzeler tyre for those who “attach great importance to sportiness without sacrificing performance in the rain.” As for its brand tyre, they comment that “Pirelli’s sporty DNA is also within its touring tyres,” adding that this is noticeable “from the first metre.” The testers add that the Angel GT II ensures “high spirits in the saddle” regardless of the weather.

Rated good

The final two candidates also delivered a respectable performance and thus picked up Motorrad’s ‘good’ rating. These are the Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32, which scored 229 points, and Continental RoadAttack 3 GT, with 222 points. The Motorrad testers describe the Bridgestone tyre as a “good all-rounder without any real weaknesses,” while they were particularly impressed with the Continental rubber’s straight-line driving and dry grip. “Wet grip and manoeuvrability could still be improved a little,” they added.